Fold Down Trampoline

Abstract

A trampoline includes a trampoline frame including a trampoline frame ring supported by a trampoline frame. A trampoline bed is supported across the trampoline frame. The trampoline frame is foldable. Enclosure poles are oriented in a vertical orientation when the enclosure poles are in a deployed position. One or more hinge joints connect the enclosure poles to the trampoline frame. The enclosure poles are mounted to the trampoline frame ring at the hinge joints. The enclosure poles fold inward to a horizontal position when the enclosure poles fold to a folded position. The enclosure poles may overlap each other when folding to the folded position.

Claims

1. A trampoline with a folding frame comprising: a) a frame supporting a bed tensioned by springs across the frame, wherein the frame has horizontal frame members; b) a horizontal frame member formed as a frame unit, wherein the frame unit has a first frame rod and a second frame rod, wherein the first frame rod connects to the second frame rod; c) two locating assemblies which pass the joint of the first and the second frame rods and multiple support rod bases where the first and the second frame rods extend downwardly, wherein the first frame rod extends and includes two first ends; d) a retaining plate mounted to the first frame rod, wherein the retaining plate has a pair of plate sides, wherein the pair of plate sides extend downwardly from the retaining plate, wherein the retaining plate is mounted on the first ends of the first frame rod, wherein each retaining plate has an end face formed toward a front of the two first ends; e) two clamping grooves indented at a pair of end faces, wherein the pair of end faces is formed on the pair of plate sides; f) two pivot connection grooves that extend upwardly into a pair of undersurfaces, wherein the pair of undersurfaces are formed on the lower surface of the pair of plate sides; g) two stop grooves that extend laterally from the two pivot connection grooves; h) two pivots mounted on the second frame rod and configured to engage the two stop grooves; and i) a locating hole formed on the second frame rod at a side of the second frame rod, wherein the locating hole is configured to receive a locating assembly that engages the two clamping grooves.

2. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 1, wherein each retaining plate has stop blocks on the lower surface, wherein each stop groove has an upper groove wall, wherein a lower groove wall is set opposite to an upper groove wall and wherein a groove sidewall is configured between the upper groove wall and the lower groove wall, wherein each upper groove wall, lower groove wall and groove sidewall is load bearing.

3. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 2, wherein the second frame rod also includes two auxiliary supports, wherein the two auxiliary supports are connected to their corresponding auxiliary support bottom edges and auxiliary support pivots.

4. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 3, wherein the retaining plate has plate sides that are parallel to each other.

5. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 4, wherein the second frame rod also includes threading slots connected to corresponding locating holes, wherein the two locating assemblies each comprise a rod and multiple fixture blocks that protrude and extend towards the outer periphery of the rod, wherein each rod and its corresponding fixture block respectively respond to their respective threading slot.

6. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 5, wherein each locating assembly also includes a bumper in an arc shape, wherein an end of each bumper is connected to a first side end of the corresponding rod, while the other end of each bumper is detachably nested in a second side end of the corresponding rod.

7. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 6, wherein a cross-section of each retaining plate is in an inverted U-shape.

8. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 7, wherein the support rod bases have joint pipes connected to an outer periphery of the first frame rod and the second frame rod and legs connected to the joint pipes.

9. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 8 wherein the joint pipes are welded to the first frame rod and the second frame rod.

10. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 8, further comprising: a trampoline frame including a trampoline frame ring supported by a trampoline frame; a trampoline bed supported across the trampoline frame; enclosure poles oriented in a vertical orientation when the enclosure poles are in a deployed position; and hinge joints connecting the enclosure poles to the trampoline frame, wherein the enclosure poles are mounted to the trampoline frame ring at the hinge joints, wherein the enclosure poles fold inward to a horizontal position when the enclosure poles fold to a folded position.

11. The trampoline with folding frame of claim 10, wherein the enclosure poles overlap each other when folding to the folded position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is prior art partial exploded view, illustrating the corresponding positions of a pivot connection groove, a pivot, a locating assembly and a locating hole.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a prior art partial exploded-view, indicating the corresponding positions of a locating assembly and a locating hole.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an incomplete exploded-view drawing of the prior art, illustrating the corresponding positions of a locating assembly and a locating hole.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an embodiment of the trampoline with folding frame in the present invention, demonstrating the combination relationship between a frame unit and a trampoline bed.

[0021] FIG. 5 is an incomplete partial enlarged diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, indicating the status where the first frame rod and the second frame rod is fixed by a locating unit.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an incomplete partial exploded-view drawing of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the corresponding positions of a pivot connection groove, a stop groove, a pivot, a locating hole and a locating assembly.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an embodiment of the invention, suggesting the status where the second frame rod is unfolded and the first frame rod and the second frame rod are turned over.

[0024] FIG. 8 is an incomplete partial section view of an embodiment of the present invention, suggesting the status where the second frame rod is located in this unfolded position and the locating hole and its corresponding clamping groove are staggered.

[0025] FIG. 9 is an incomplete partial section view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the status where the locating hole and its corresponding clamping groove are apposed.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the assembled trampoline in upright configuration.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a diagram of the trampoline being disassembled.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a diagram of the trampoline being disassembled.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a diagram of the enclosure pole connector.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a diagram of the folding trampoline enclosure pole.

[0031] The following call out list of elements can be a useful guide for referencing the element numbers of the drawings. [0032] 11 First frame rod [0033] 111 Pivot connection groove [0034] 12 Second frame rod [0035] 121 Pivot [0036] 122 Locating hole [0037] 13 Locating assembly [0038] 200 Frame unit [0039] 20 First frame rod [0040] 21 First end [0041] 22 Retaining plate [0042] 221 End face [0043] 222 Clamping groove [0044] 223 Undersurface [0045] 224 Pivot connection groove [0046] 225 Stop groove [0047] 226 Stop block [0048] 227 Plate side [0049] 228 Upper groove wall [0050] 229 Lower groove wall [0051] 230 Groove sidewall [0052] 30 Second frame rod [0053] 31 Second end [0054] 32 Bottom edge [0055] 33 Pivot [0056] 34 Auxiliary support [0057] 35 Stopper [0058] 36 Locating hole [0059] 37 Threading slot [0060] 40 Locating assembly [0061] 41 Rod [0062] 42 Fixture block [0063] 43 Bumper [0064] 50 Support rod base [0065] 51 Joint pipe [0066] 52 Leg [0067] 600 Trampoline bed [0068] 60 Mesh [0069] 70 Fitting [0070] 80 Separate connector [0071] X Circumferential Direction [0072] 110 Trampoline Frame [0073] 115 Trampoline Frame Ring [0074] 116 Trampoline Frame Leg [0075] 120 Trampoline Bed [0076] 130 Enclosure Pole [0077] 131 Enclosure Pole Connector [0078] 132 Trampoline Frame Hinge Joint [0079] 133 Upper Enclosure Support [0080] 134 Pin [0081] 135 Pin Receiving Opening [0082] 136 Knob [0083] 137 Spring Cover Strap

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0084] As is indicated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, an embodiment of the trampoline with folding frame in the present invention includes a frame unit 200, and a trampoline bed 600. The frame unit 200 includes a first frame rod 20, a second frame rod 30 which is connected to the first frame rod 20 in a hollow ring shape, two locating assemblies 40 which can pass the joint of the first and the second frame rods 30, multiple support rod bases 50 where the first and the second frame rods 30 extend downwardly, and multiple separate connectors 80 which are respectively equipped in the outer periphery of the first frame rod 20 and the second frame rod 30. The first frame rod 20 extends circularly and includes two first ends 21 set opposite and two retaining plates 22 respectively mounted on the first ends 21.

[0085] Each retaining plate 22 has an end face 221 formed in the front, two clamping grooves 222 which depress towards the end faces 221 and extend circularly, multiple undersurfaces 223 which respectively intersect with the end faces 221 and are located at the bottom, two pivot connection grooves 224 which depress towards each undersurface 223 and two stop grooves 225 where one end of each pivot connection groove 224 and away from the end face 221 extends circularly, many stop blocks 226 which are located in the corresponding undersurfaces 223, pivot connection grooves 224 and stop groove 225, and multiple plate sides 227 which are respectively located at both sides and correspond to the pivot connection grooves 224 and the stop grooves 225.

[0086] Each stop groove 225 has an upper groove wall 228 corresponding to the undersurface 223, a lower groove wall 229 set opposite to the upper groove wall 228 and a groove sidewall 230 situated between the upper groove wall 228 and the lower groove wall 229. In the present embodiment, the cross-section of each retaining plate 22 is in an inverted U-shape, and is fixed downward to the first end 21. However, retaining two plates to both sides of the corresponding first end 21 can achieve the same effects as well.

[0087] The second frame rod 30 extends circularly and includes: two second ends 31 set opposite, two bottom edges 32 respectively formed at the bottom of the second end 31, two pivots 33 which are respectively connected to the bottom edges 32 and nested in the stop grooves 225 via the corresponding pivot connection grooves 224, two auxiliary supports 34 whose two ends are respectively connected to the corresponding bottom edges 32 and pivots 33, many stoppers 35 formed at two ends of each pivot 33, multiple locating holes 36 which respectively depress toward the second end 31 and are located at the corresponding two sides of the pivots 33 and many threading slots 37 that are connected to the corresponding locating holes 36. More specifically, each upper groove wall 228, lower groove wall 229 and groove sidewall 230 can press against the pivot 33 corresponding to the spacing. The pivots 33 and the locating holes 36 are configured in a radial direction that is perpendicular to the circumferential direction X.

[0088] Each locating assembly 40 includes a rod 41, multiple fixture blocks 42 that protrude and extend towards the outer periphery of the rod 41, and a bumper 43 in an arc shape. Each rod 41 and its corresponding fixture block 42 respectively respond to the threading slot 37. One end of each bumper 43 is connected to one side end of the corresponding rod 41, while the other end of each bumper 43 is detachably nested in the other side end of the corresponding rod 41. Specifically, the locating assembly 40 has the effect of automatically stop so that the first frame rod 20 and the second frame rod can press against and fix each other.

[0089] The support rod base 50 has many joint pipes 51 alternately equipped and connected to the outer periphery of the first and the second rods 20 and 30 and many legs 52 connected to the corresponding joint pipes 51. It should be noted that the joint pipes 51 are welded to the first and the second frame rods 20 and 30, and that each joint pipe 51 is equipped in the adjacent corresponding separate connector 80. The trampoline bed 600 is hung at this frame unit 200, and includes the mesh itself 60, multiple fittings 70 fixed around the mesh 60. The fittings 70 are connected to the first and the second frame rods 20 and 30.

[0090] As is shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, to facilitate storage and transport, in this embodiment, the first frame rod 20 is generally separate from the second frame rod 30 in order to save space. When this embodiment is unfolded and used, it is first turned over to the back, the locating assembly 40 is first inserted into the corresponding locating hole 36, and then the pivot 33 is clamped to the corresponding pivot connection groove 224. Next, the second frame rod 30 is pressed downward from an unfolded position where the locating hole 36 and the corresponding clamping groove 222 are staggered (FIG. 8) to the front of the corresponding clamping groove 222 of the locating assembly 40. Next, the pivot 33 is moved circularly to the corresponding stop groove 225 so that the second frame rod 30 is operated to a folded position (FIG. 9) where the locating hole and its corresponding clamping groove are apposed.

[0091] Specifically, when the second frame rod 30 is located in this folded position, the locating assemblies 40 are respectively inserted into the corresponding locating holes 36 and the clamping grooves 222, and the pivots 33 are clamped to the corresponding stop grooves and is pressed against and stopped by the stop blocks 226. When operation is conducted between the unfolded position and the folded position, the stopper 35 can press against the corresponding plate side 227 (FIG. 6), thereby preventing the pivot 33 from moving perpendicularly to the circular direction when the second frame rod 20 operates between the unfolded position and the folded position.

[0092] In conclusion, the present invention provides a trampoline with folding frame that includes a frame unit. In the prior art, force needs to be applied to ensure the second frame rod is located in this folded position before the locating assemblies 40 can be inserted into the corresponding locating holes 36. In contrast, in the present embodiment, before unfolding, the locating assemblies 40 are first inserted into the corresponding locating holes 36, and then after the pivot 33 is clamped to the corresponding pivot connection groove 224, the second frame rod 30 is operated from the unfolded position where the locating hole 36 and the corresponding clamping groove 222 are staggered to the folded position where the locating hole 36 and the corresponding clamping groove 222 are apposed in order to complete the unfolding action. The danger caused by exerting a force on the folded position for a long time can be avoided so as to enhance the operational safety of the device.

[0093] The trampoline also has an enclosure that folds down. The trampoline has a trampoline frame 110 which supports the trampoline bed 120. The trampoline frame 110 has a trampoline frame ring 115 that is substantially horizontally oriented for supporting the trampoline bed 120 in a horizontal position. The trampoline frame ring 115 is supported by one or more of the trampoline frame legs 116.

[0094] The trampoline frame ring 115 also includes trampoline frame hinge joints 132. The hinge joints 132 allow the enclosure poles 132 fold-down after the upper enclosure support 133 has been removed. The enclosure poles fold inward at an angle normal to the trampoline frame ring 115.

[0095] The enclosure poles 132 are hinged to the trampoline frame ring 115 at the trampoline frame hinge joints 132. The enclosure poles 132 are independent and cross over each other when the trampoline enclosure is in stowed configuration. The enclosure poles 132 fold inward when the enclosure is in stowed configuration and fold upward to an upright position when the enclosure is in the deployed position.

[0096] The enclosure pole connectors can be formed as sockets having a slot for receiving the upper enclosure support 133. The upper enclosure support 133 can be formed as a horizontally suspended ring made of metal, plastic or fiberglass. The upper enclosures for 133 can be formed as segments of a plurality of connected rods. The hinge joint 132 can be stabilized by a pin 134 that is inserted into a pin receiving opening 135 on the hinge joint 132 to keep the enclosure pole 130 in upright position. The pin 134 preferably passes through the enclosure poles which are formed as hollow metal tubes. The hinge joint can also have a pair of flanges that have openings for the pin receiving opening 135. The pin 134 receiving opening 135 passes through the pair of flanges and the enclosure pole for locking them together. The pin 134 receiving opening 135 and the pin 134 can be threaded for additional tightness and security and to avoid wobble.

[0097] A knob 136 can be formed on the trampoline frame leg 116 at the junction of the trampoline frame leg 116 and the trampoline frame ring 115. The knob 136 can be connected to a bolt that bolts or connects the trampoline frame leg to the trampoline frame ring 115. The knob 136 is located below the level of the trampoline frame ring 115, but can also provide the same function as the pin 134 if the knob 136 is at least partially connected to a portion of the trampoline enclosure pole.

[0098] A spring cover strap 137 can be formed as a loop that has an opening that fits over the knob 136. The spring cover strap 137 loop ends are connected to the spring cover. The spring cover covers the springs. The spring cover can be a sheet of plastic or can have a thicker expanded foam padding. Trampoline pads can have straps that loop over the head of the knob 136. The trampoline pads traps can be formed of fabric or cord the as rope. The trampoline pads are typically placed along a circumferential periphery of the trampoline frame ring 115. Trampoline pads can have an elastic strap for the spring cover strap 137 that fits over the head of the knob 136.